Michelle Waterson, also known as the "Karate Hottie," is a professional mixed martial artist from the United States. She currently competes in the Strawweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has a record of 18 wins and 8 losses.
Born on January 6th, 1986 in Aurora, Colorado, Waterson began practicing martial arts at a young age. She holds a black belt in American Freestyle Karate, as well as a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Her martial arts background combined with her good looks have made her one of the most popular fighters in the UFC.
Standing at just 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall, Waterson is known for her quick movements and impressive footwork in the octagon. She has won several fights by submission and is known for her deadly rear-naked choke hold.
Off the mat, Waterson is a mother and wife. She is also an actress and has appeared in several movies and TV shows. Her net worth is estimated to be around $1 million USD.
In this comprehensive biography, we will explore Waterson's life and career, including her early years in martial arts, her rise to fame in the UFC, and her personal life outside of the sport. We will also take a closer look at her age, height, and net worth.
The Life of Michelle Waterson
Introduction
Michelle Waterson is a professional mixed martial artist from the United States, who is also known by her nickname, "The Karate Hottie." She was born on January 6th, 1986, in Aurora, Colorado, and began training in karate at the age of 10. Waterson has competed in several different MMA organizations, including the UFC, and has achieved notable success throughout her career.
Early Career
Waterson began her martial arts career in karate, earning her black belt at the age of 18. She then transitioned to Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and began competing in amateur MMA fights in 2004. In 2007, she made her professional MMA debut, and quickly gained a reputation as a skilled and aggressive fighter.
Professional Success
Throughout her career, Waterson has fought in several different weight classes and organizations, including Strikeforce, Invicta FC, and the UFC. She has a record of 18 wins and 8 losses, with 4 of her victories coming by way of submission and 7 by way of knockout. She has also received numerous awards and accolades, including the 2013 World MMA Awards Female Atomweight of the Year and the 2020 ESPN Women's MMA Fighter of the Year.
Personal Life
Outside of the cage, Waterson is a mother to a daughter, Araya, who was born in 2010. She is married to Joshua Gomez, a former amateur MMA fighter. Waterson is also a model and actress, and has appeared in several television shows and movies, including "Entourage" and "The Last Tycoon."
Net Worth
As of 2021, Michelle Waterson's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. Her income primarily comes from her MMA career, as well as endorsements and sponsorships. She has worked with several brands, including Reebok and DailyBurn, and has also launched her own fitness app, Michelle Waterson Fit.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Michelle Waterson, also known as "The Karate Hottie", was born on January 6, 1986 in Aurora, Colorado. She was raised by her parents and had two siblings. Since her childhood, Waterson was interested in martial arts and also participated in dance classes.
At the age of ten, she started learning Karate and eventually achieved a black belt in American Freestyle Karate. Waterson continued to train in other martial arts such as Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling.
During her early career, Waterson fought in regional promotions and won the ICF Flyweight Championship in 2007. Later, she signed with Invicta Fighting Championships and became the inaugural Atomweight Champion. Her success in Invicta caught the attention of The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) which signed Waterson in 2015.
Waterson's early fights in UFC were challenging, but she bounced back with impressive victories against top-ranked fighters. She won the Fight of the Night award in her 2017 fight against Tecia Torres. As of 2021, Waterson has a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 8 losses.
Fighting and MMA Career
Michelle Waterson began practicing martial arts at an early age, starting with karate and transitioning to kickboxing and Muay Thai in her teenage years. She started her professional MMA career in 2007 and quickly gained attention with her powerful striking and submission skills.
Over the years, Waterson has fought in various promotions including Invicta FC and the UFC. She has faced tough opponents such as Rose Namajunas, Paige VanZant, and Joanna Jedrzejczyk, demonstrating her versatility and resilience in the Octagon.
In addition to her fighting career, Waterson has also become an ambassador for women in MMA, promoting the sport and encouraging more women to take part. She has been a vocal advocate for equal pay and opportunities for female fighters.
- Record: 18-8-0
- Wins by knockout: 3
- Wins by submission: 9
- Wins by decision: 6
Despite some setbacks in her career, Waterson remains a popular and respected fighter in the MMA community. Her tenacity and skill have earned her numerous fans and a net worth estimated to be around $1 million.
Personal Life and Family
Michelle Waterson was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in 1986. She is the second oldest of four siblings and was raised by her parents in Aurora, Colorado. Her father was in the military, and her mother worked as a hairstylist.
Michelle is married to Joshua Gomez, a former amateur kickboxer. They have one daughter together named Araya. Michelle is very close to her family, and they are a big part of her life.
Aside from martial arts, Michelle enjoys photography, painting, and cooking. In her spare time, she also likes to travel and experience different cultures. She has traveled to many different parts of the world, including Thailand, Japan, and Brazil.
Michelle is also very involved in her community. She has worked with several organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of America and the Women's MMA Association. She is a role model to many young girls and women, and she takes her position very seriously.
Achievements and Awards
Championship Titles
- Invicta FC Atomweight Champion (2013-2014)
- WFC Atomweight Champion (2012)
Award-Winning Performances
- Invicta Fighting Championships Fight of the Night (2014)
- World MMA Awards Female Fighter of the Year nomination (2017)
Community Involvement
Michelle Waterson has been recognized for her involvement in the community, receiving awards and honors for her work with charities and non-profit organizations. She is a champion in and out of the ring, actively making a difference in the lives of others.
Notable Achievements
- First mother to compete in a UFC main event (2019)
- Ranked #8 in the UFC women's strawweight division (2021)
| Year | Award/Honor |
|---|---|
| 2013 | Women's MMA Rising Star of the Year |
| 2014 | Invicta Commitment Award |
| 2015 | MMA Pro Fighter of the Year |
| 2017 | Anthem Award for Outstanding Achievement in Amateur Wrestling |
Michelle Waterson's impressive list of achievements and awards highlights her exceptional career and impact on the world of MMA. Her hard work, dedication, and passion have earned her recognition both inside and outside of the octagon.
Net Worth and Endorsements
As of 2021, Michelle Waterson's estimated net worth is around $1 million. This consists of earnings from her MMA career, various endorsements, and other business ventures.
Waterson has been affiliated with several companies and brands throughout her career. She has had endorsement deals with Reebok, Alienware, and Nutrabio. She has also appeared in several commercials and print ads for companies such as Harley-Davidson and Bud Light.
In addition to her MMA career and endorsements, Waterson has also ventured into acting. She appeared in the movie "Fury of the Dragon" in 2014 and has had minor roles in several other films and TV shows.
With her wealth and success, Waterson has also been involved in philanthropy. She has worked with the Women's Sports Foundation and has been vocal about issues such as sexual harassment and gender inequality in sports.
- Estimated Net Worth: $1 million
- Endorsement Deals: Reebok, Alienware, Nutrabio
- Acting Career: "Fury of the Dragon" and other minor roles
FAQ
Who is Michelle Waterson?
Michelle Waterson is a professional mixed martial artist and former Invicta FC Atomweight Champion. She also goes by the nickname "The Karate Hottie".
What is Michelle Waterson's age?
Michelle Waterson was born on January 6, 1986, which makes her 35 years old as of 2021.
What is Michelle Waterson's height?
Michelle Waterson is 5 feet 3 inches (160 cm) tall.
What is Michelle Waterson's net worth?
Michelle Waterson's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. This includes earnings from her MMA career, sponsorships, and endorsement deals.
What are some of Michelle Waterson's notable achievements in MMA?
Michelle Waterson has had a successful MMA career so far. Some of her notable achievements include winning the Invicta FC Atomweight Championship in 2013, being ranked as high as #7 in the UFC Women's Strawweight rankings, and having notable wins over fighters like Paige VanZant and Felice Herrig.
